Taking my music break was best decision ever — Ofori Amponsah

WHEN Highlife musician Ofori Amponsah pressed the pause button on his music career nine years ago because ‘things were rather slow’, little did he know how beneficial that decision would be.

In fact, taking that hiatus is the best thing that ever happened to Ofori Amponsah, aka Mr All 4Real, and he will forever cherish that moment.

That was when he realised the word self-care didn’t exist in his vocabulary and it was about time he did things differently. He had to secure his future, see to his welfare and improve both his physical and mental health.

“Saving and investing for the future was the farthest from my mind before I put my music on the back burner. All I was doing was to making money and helping my relatives and friends travel abroad. I later realised I had to invest in myself so that I don’t become a burden to anyone when I am no longer relevant.

“So I bought lands and I am currently into real estate and farming, and both ventures are doing very well. Now, I can confidently say I am comfortable because of the decision I took some nine years ago,” he told Daily Graphic in a recent interview.

According to Ofori Amponsah, he is more fulfilled now than when he was releasing bangers back then. “I am proud of what I have been able to achieve, which is due to the music gap I took. Had it not been that I would probably still be helping friends and relatives and not myself. You see, when you take care of yourself, you can take care of others better,” he added.

Going into music and benefits

Legendary Highlife Musician Daddy Lumba played a major role in Ofori Amponsah’s career before he dropped his maiden album Asew in 2000.

Daddy Lumba helped him hit the limelight when he featured him on songs such as Wo Nkoaa, Ku Me Preko and Wo Da A Da on his Wo Ho Kyere album. 

Ofori Amponsah, after getting the attention, then released albums including Meprawo, Odwo, Emmanuella, Otoolege and Paul Anatem, among others.

He disclosed to Daily Graphic that he believes he wouldn’t have gotten all that he has acquired now if it wasn’t for music. “Through my career, I have acquired properties that I wouldn’t have gotten if I did other jobs and I am glad I chose music as my first love. Just the name ‘Ofori Amponsah’ opens doors for me everywhere I go. And I must say music is lucrative if you do it right,” he stated. 

Surround yourself with the right people

To Ofori Amponsah, a musician who wants to have a good career and prosper needs to surround himself with the right people.

“There are so many talented musicians who were doing so well but now wallowing in poverty because of the people who were around them. In fact, when you keep the wrong people, you will go down. And when that happens, they will vanish into thin air. Trust me, they are the very people who will leak your private information out to the public,” he added.

Being consistent and relevant

Staying consistent and remaining relevant is something many musicians are unable to achieve. However, according to Ofori Amponsah, it takes a talented musician to do that.

“How many musicians can stay relevant for a decade or more? Only a few musicians in Ghana can do that. Releasing hit songs does not come easy, not to talk of doing that for a decade and more. 

“I respect every musician who has been able to do that—Daddy Lumba, Amakye Dede, Kojo Antwi, Samini, Sarkodie and a few others. They have done it through hard work and dedication.

“Another thing I want to touch on is the older musicians competing with the young ones. They must stop that. You see, everyone and their time and so when yours comes, just leave quietly for others to take over. 

“I don’t see why I should compete with young musicians now because I have had my time. Any song I release now will not change who I am. I may drop new songs just to engage with my fans who miss me and want to hear from me. 

The man Ofori Amponsah 

Ofori Amponsah, real name, Samuel Ofori Amponsah, was born in Agogo in the Ashanti Region to Mr Johnson Kwadwo Ofori and Madam Georgina Nkansah. He has three children.

The 49-year-old multiple award-winning Highlife artiste has worked with musicians such as Daddy Lumba, Samini, Sarkodie Kofi Nti, Barosky and K.K. Fosu, among others.

He has 17 solo albums to his credit. His last album, Million Dollar, dropped in 2020. 

In 2006, he won seven awards including Artiste of the Year in one night, at the 2006 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) and has a combined total of 17 VGMA nominations, making him one of the highest nominated artistes.

Next year, Ofori Amponsah will celebrate 25 years in the music industry. He will mark the milestone with a concert on March 2, 2024, and he cannot wait for the day, which falls on his 50th birthday.

“I have invited all the artistes I have worked with in the past for the concert and I cannot wait for that big day. On that day, I will visit and spend time at an orphanage and with inmates in a prison. 

“I believe in giving because it is always a blessing to give to those who don’t have it. If God has been good to me, I should also give and that is what I will be doing as part of the activities to celebrate my big ‘five-zero’ next year,” he added.